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Trinity River Trail

Enjoy the open space of the country and the parks and riversides of Fort Worth as you wander this pretty urban trail.

Rating: 5 out of 5 by EveryTrail members

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 16 miles

Duration: Half day

Family Friendly

Overview :
It's nice to have options.
And the Trinity River Trail System gives you many. You can start your journey from the center of the city... more » or you can start from way out in Gateway Park.
You can bike, hike, inline skate, walk your dog, or ride your Trikke.
You can hang out in the city or wander through the countryside.
You can rest on a bench or run until you're breathing hard.
You can travel for 32 miles out-and-back or take a leisurely half mile stroll.
Yes, the Trinity River Trail System has something for everyone. It is dotted with river crossings, tree groves, benches, misting stations, and expansive parks. It is surprisingly solitary on weekdays and a major social gathering spot on weekends.
It offers its users the choice of various branches and even allows people to choose which side of the river they want to explore.
You can choose to start your exploration in the city and work your way out or you can start in the rural portion and venture into Fort Worth.
It is trails like the Trinity Trail that make the city of Fort Worth such a fun place to visit. less «

Tips:
- Do not cross the low water crossings during high water activity.
- Check the Fort Worth city schedules for trailside events such as ... more »water skiing, park gatherings, and local festivals.
- Portions of the trail are often closed for maintenance but detours are usually provided. Check with the city parks department or with the websites listed on this guide for more information.
- Parking is free in Gateway Park and most of the other trailheads, but if you start from downtown Fort Worth, you will likely have to feed $ into parking meters. less «

Points of Interest

1. Gateway Park

Gateway Park, east of Fort Worth, makes a nice place to start your trail sojourn. It has lots of free parking and places for picnics, hikes, and bathroom breaks. It is easy to follow the trail from here, as long as you utilize the map and directions in this guide.

2. Athletic fields

You will find numerous athletic fields in Gateway Park. You will actually follow the trail around a portion of these athletic fields before leaving the western edge of Gateway Park and starting your trek along the river.

3. River Crossing Option #1

In order to stay on the main trail, you will need to cross the river either here (good place, but not my first choice) or a little ways up the trail. At this point, there is a great trail on either side of the river, so either choice will work.
It is important to note that both of these river crossings are considered "low water crossings,... More" so do NOT cross here if high water conditions are in effect.
In other words, if water is running over the top of the concrete crossing paths, then stay off them.Less

4. River Crossing Option #2

You must cross the river in order to continue on the trail to Fort Worth, and I recommend crossing at this spot. If you don't cross here, the trail continues for a little ways to a trail head, then ends.
Do not cross here or at any other low-water crossing in high-water/flood conditions.

5. mile 3

The trail crosses under numerous railroad tracks and roads in this portion of the trail.

6. good Fort Worth views

From here, the trail begins to change from a rural trail to an urban trail and the views of the city are some of the best to be found anywhere.

7. city access

Enjoy lots of bridge crossings, resting spots, and easy access to the city from this point. Although you could also start your trail journey here, be prepared to pay hefty parking fees if you drive into town.
You will be near the hear of Fort Worth if you exit the trail here, but there are few restaurants in the immediate area. You will have to... More travel a few blocks to enjoy the culinary treats of Fort Worth.Less

8. Trail fork / junction

If you can't decide which way to go, you'll have plenty of resting spots to sit down and ponder the best route. Either way, you can't go wrong.

This is a popular riverside stopping spot for trail users year-round. In the park, you will find benches, playgrounds, side trails, and even misting stations to cool you down during your rigorous trail journey.

10. Misting station

These cool-down spots come in handy during the heat of summer.

11. Low level water crossings

These crossings are handy to get from one side of the river to the other, but avoid them in high water or flood situations.

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